This guide will help you answer 1.1 Describe sequential development from birth to seven years in the following areas: cognitive, language, physical, emotional, social, brain development.
Cognitive Development
Birth to 1 Year
During this period, babies explore the world through their senses. They understand basic cause and effect by observing their actions and the results they produce. For example, if they shake a rattle, it makes a noise. They also begin to recognise familiar faces and objects around them.
1 to 2 Years
From one to two years, toddlers start solving simple problems. They engage in activities such as stacking blocks and notice the relationship between objects. Object permanence develops, allowing them to understand that objects continue to exist even when out of sight.
2 to 3 Years
Cognitive development during this age focuses on improved memory and attention span. Children can follow simple instructions and start to play pretend games, which shows an understanding of the world around them. They can also sort objects by shape and colour.
3 to 5 Years
Preschoolers show significant cognitive growth. They ask numerous questions, demonstrating their curiosity and desire to understand their environment. They begin to grasp basic concepts such as counting, time, and the concept of past and future. Simple problem-solving skills improve, and they participate in more complex imaginative play.
5 to 7 Years
Children in this age group develop the ability to think logically. They understand more complex mathematical concepts and can follow multi-step instructions. Reading and writing skills begin to emerge and improve, reflecting a growing ability to process and organise information.
Language Development
Birth to 1 Year
Newborns communicate primarily through crying. By around six months, they begin to babble, making repetitive sounds. Towards the end of the first year, they may start to say simple words like “mama” or “dada”.
1 to 2 Years
During this stage, children’s vocabulary grows rapidly. They begin to form simple two-word sentences such as “want milk”. They understand more words than they can say and follow basic commands like “come here”.
2 to 3 Years
Two to three-year-olds increasingly use language to express their needs and thoughts. Vocabulary expands significantly, and sentences become longer and more complex. They often ask “what” and “why” questions, showing their curiosity about the world.
3 to 5 Years
Preschoolers improve their use of language for social interaction. They can hold longer conversations, tell simple stories, and understand the rules of grammar and sentence structure. Their vocabulary continues to expand rapidly.
5 to 7 Years
By this age, children have a solid grasp of their native language. They use language to express complex ideas, understand jokes and riddles, and engage in detailed storytelling. Reading and writing skills also develop, supporting their overall language ability.
Physical Development
Birth to 1 Year
Physical development involves gaining control over large muscles first (gross motor skills) and then small muscles (fine motor skills). Infants progress from lifting their heads to rolling over, sitting, crawling, and eventually walking.
1 to 2 Years
Young toddlers refine their walking skills and begin to run, climb, and jump. Fine motor skills also develop, allowing them to grasp objects better, start feeding themselves, and explore their environment through touch.
2 to 3 Years
Children in this age refine both fine and gross motor skills. They become more adept at activities like kicking a ball, drawing simple shapes, and dressing themselves with some assistance.
3 to 5 Years
Preschoolers show improved balance and coordination. They can use tricycles, catch balls, and begin practising skills like cutting with scissors and drawing more accurately. They develop better hand-eye coordination.
5 to 7 Years
Physical skills continue to become more precise and coordinated. Children can ride bicycles, swim, and participate in team sports. Fine motor skills improve, allowing them to write more legibly, use a knife and fork properly, and undertake more detailed crafts.
Emotional Development
Birth to 1 Year
Infants primarily express emotions through crying and smiling. They start to form attachments to their primary caregivers, showing signs of distress when separated. They begin to recognise and respond to emotions in others.
1 to 2 Years
Toddlers experience a wide range of emotions. They can show love, anger, fear, and joy. They may also start to develop a sense of independence, which can result in temper tantrums.
2 to 3 Years
Emotional self-regulation begins to improve. Children can label their own emotions and understand the emotions of others. They start developing empathy, although it is still in its early stages.
3 to 5 Years
Emotional development during this period involves better self-control and an understanding of more complex feelings like guilt and pride. Children can express their feelings more clearly and start to form friendships, developing social skills.
5 to 7 Years
Children become more aware of their own and others’ emotions. They develop a strong sense of self-esteem and understand social norms and expectations better. Their ability to manage feelings, such as disappointment or frustration, improves significantly.
Social Development
Birth to 1 Year
Social interactions are initially limited. Babies focus on bonding with their primary caregivers. They respond to social stimulation such as talking and smiling.
1 to 2 Years
Toddlers begin to show interest in other children but often play alongside them rather than interact directly. They start to understand the concept of taking turns.
2 to 3 Years
Children begin to engage in parallel play, where they play alongside but not directly with other children. They start to imitate others and show interest in playing simple group activities.
3 to 5 Years
During these years, children engage more in cooperative play. They understand sharing and taking turns better. Friendships start to form, and they develop a sense of belonging in social groups.
5 to 7 Years
Social skills become more refined. Children can work in teams, follow rules in games, and develop deeper friendships. They understand social dynamics like empathy and conflict resolution.
Brain Development
Birth to 1 Year
Brain development is rapid. Neural connections form as a result of sensory experiences and interactions. Synaptic pruning begins, strengthening frequently-used neural pathways and discarding unused ones.
1 to 2 Years
The toddler brain undergoes noticeable growth. Toddlers start to show improved coordination and cognitive abilities. Myelination, which helps speed up neural signals, progresses rapidly.
2 to 3 Years
The brain continues to develop, with significant growth in areas related to language and social skills. Synaptic pruning continues, making the neural network more efficient.
3 to 5 Years
During preschool years, the brain’s frontal lobe (responsible for decision making, problem-solving, and control of purposeful behaviours) grows significantly. The number of neural connections peaks, providing a foundation for cognitive and emotional skills.
5 to 7 Years
Brain development supports advanced cognitive and social skills. The child’s ability to plan, focus attention, and manage emotions improves. Neural networks become more specialised, supporting specific skills like reading and numeracy.
Understanding these developmental milestones can help practitioners support children effectively. Tailored activities and environments can encourage optimal growth in each area.
